Do all ski mountian places not allow skiers to go to the parks?? What are the rules??

Question

I havent skied much, i only rented but yesterday i was gifted a pair of short skis. are these the kind of skis that they allow people to go into the parks with?

How will these skis be diferent from longer skis?

Answer 1

Many new ski designs have gone to shorter, shaped skis.  Not necessarily just for trick skiing as implied by another answer.  While some ski resorts used to look rather skeptically at these shorter skis (some people thought they were unsafe, when actually they are easier to control, thus safer!) and would sometimes ban them (did the same thing to snowboards for awhile), now days acceptance of the shorter skis is almost universal.  Check with the resort you will be skiing at to be sure, but it should not be a problem.

Shorter skis are usually stiffer and have different 'camber' or bend than traditional long skis.  They have been engineered specifically to make turning easier.  Some types are not as fast as traditional skis, but for the typical recreational skier who is not doing any racing that won't make any difference.  If fact, since they are easier to control and easier to turn with, they should make your skiing easier, more fun, and safer all at the same time!

Answer 2

It depends on how short they are.  If it has a twin curve on each end, and is a little shorter than a normal ski, its meant for tricks and you normally don't use poles.  These skis are generally ok at resorts.  If they are snow skates, which are a little longer than your boot, those you don't use poles for, and those are for freestyle.  It depends on the resort whether they allow snow skates or not.  Generally resorts want customers and let snow skates on the hill, but ask where ever you are headed.

If they aren't snow skates (or snow blades they are also called), then of course they are allowed by resort operators.  In general, short skis don't go as fast as longer ones, but they are more manuverable, especially if they are shaped, parabolic skis.

The bigger question is, how old are these skis?  Their previous owner may have given them up for a reason.  Older, "straight skis" are more difficult to ski on than shaped skis. If there is nothing wrong with the skis, check the bindings.  Are the bindings set for your weight, skiing ability, and boot size?Check the internet for the DIN setting appropriate for you.  Does your boot fit properly in the binding?  Are the bindings seized, or will they open if you fall?

You could take the skis & your boots to a ski place for a "tune up" where they will get sharpened and waxed, and properly set up for your boots & skiing ability, with the bindings remounted if required.  You can also ask the dude behind the counter whether the skis are worth fixing up.  Otherwise, the rentals at most resorts are pretty good, and at least they are set up for your ability and size.  

Have fun in the powder!

Answer 3

If you are clipped into the skis, you can ride in the park. Nobody is checking equipment. If those skis are shorter than 5 feet, you won't want to ride real mountains. The ski-blades that are short can be fun, [especially in the park] but are reserved for crappy midwest resorts. You wouldn't last an hour on those out west.

Answer 4

yah

Answer 5

Most terrain parks are open to all skiers and snowboarders, as are most half-pipes.

While twin tipped skis and snowblades are the preferred weapon of choice for two-plankers in the parks and pipes, you can usually ride whatever timber you choose.

I spent the better part of one afternoon in one of Mt.Snow's terrain parks last year on my telemarks...nobody gave me any hassle.

Also: If those short skis you have come up to your knees (or close) when you stand them on end, they are most likely snowblades. While you can ride them anywhere, they are best used in the terrain parks and half-pipe. I have seen 16 year old French Canadian kids at Jay Peak rip through the trees on those things, so don't limit yourself to just the terrainn parks.

Have Fun!